New meat factory on the Downs

AN INTERNATIONAL abattoir worth $85 million promises to bring 380 full-time jobs to regional neighbours after receiving council approval.

Spearheaded by Chinese company Fucheng International Abattoirs, the project will see an abandoned sheep abattoir on the outskirts of Goondiwindi demolished and converted into an enormous meat processing factory.

Goondiwindi Mayor Graeme Scheu said the development would have benefits beyond the region and would export to China and other Asian countries.

"This is an exciting time for Goondiwindi and the region," Cr Scheu said.

"We believe we are on the cusp of another agricultural growth boom in the economy and the social structure of the region."

INTERNATIONAL EXPORT: Beef produced at the new factory will be sent to Asian countries, primarily China.Inga Williams

Construction is scheduled to begin in the new year but the Goondiwindi Regional Council must first consider a number of issues raised by the community.

The facility, which will be located 15km out of Goondiwindi on the Cunningham Highway, has neighbouring properties concerned about the noise, odour and lighting that the facility would potentially emit.

Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said the abattoir would contribute to the profile of the whole Darling Downs region.

"We certainly are becoming well known for intensive livestock processing and manufacturing," she said.